Thanks for this tip! I looked more carefully at the error screen and found a tiny "proceed with caution" link in gray text at the bottom. When I clicked it, there was another screen asking me to confirm I wanted to continue despite the warning. After I clicked through that, it actually did let me submit! My return has been accepted by the IRS already. Can't believe the solution was that simple after all the stress. Do you think I need to worry about this $1 discrepancy causing problems later? Like will I get a letter from the IRS about it?

Glad it worked for you! You shouldn't worry about that $1 discrepancy at all. The IRS has a tolerance threshold for small differences - they don't pursue amounts that small because the processing cost would exceed the collection amount. I've had small discrepancies like this in previous years (usually from rounding differences) and never received any follow-up letters or notices. The fact that your return was accepted means their system didn't flag it as an issue worth pursuing. You're all good!

I actually work in software development (not for tax software though) and this is unfortunately common with complex calculation systems. The ACA premium tax credit calculation involves multiple variables and lookups that can create edge cases the developers didn't anticipate. The software companies prioritize fixing the most common scenarios first, and partial-year coverage affects a smaller percentage of users.

That makes sense but it's still super frustrating as a user! Seems like after several years of the ACA being in place, they should have figured out these calculations by now. These aren't exactly obscure scenarios - people change insurance all the time. What bothers me most is how the average person would have no way of knowing if their calculation is wrong. We just trust what the software tells us. Makes me wonder how much money the IRS collects from people who overpay because of software errors.

Is there a cutoff for how far back you can claim refunds? I haven't filed for 6 years but had withholding the whole time.

Yes, there is a cutoff - it's 3 years from the original due date of the return. So for example, 2022 tax returns were due April 18, 2023, meaning you have until April 18, 2026 to claim any refund for that year. For 2021 returns, you have until April 15, 2025. Unfortunately for your situation with 6 unfiled years, you've likely lost the ability to claim refunds for the oldest 3 years, but you can still get refunds for the most recent 3 tax years if you're owed them.

This is 100% accurate. I work at a tax resolution firm and we help people with 10+ years of unfiled returns regularly. The IRS is far more reasonable than people think as long as you're making an effort to comply. They're not interested in sending people with regular jobs to prison.

This is so helpful! Do you need any special information to create an account on these payroll sites? My company uses ADP I think but I've never logged in before.

For ADP, you usually need your company code (ask HR for this), your employee ID or SSN, and sometimes other identifying information like your date of birth or zip code. Some companies pre-register employees so you just need to set up your password, while others require you to go through a registration process. If you're not sure about the process, you can go to ADP's main website and look for "employee login" or "first time user" options. They have different portals (like Workforce Now, iPay, etc.) depending on what service your employer uses, so it might take a bit of trial and error to find the right one.

I tried calling the IRS but couldn't get through at all... just constant busy signals. Is there an email or specific number to use for W-2 issues?

I asked my tax preparer about this last week! Amended returns for tax year 2021 would normally be due by April 18, 2023 (the standard 3-year amendment period). If you're in the disaster area, this deadline is also extended to October 16, 2023. So yes, you have until October to file that 2021 amended return!

Thank you so much for checking on this! That's a huge relief as I'm still gathering documentation for some expenses that were damaged in the flooding. Good to know I have until October to get everything together for the amendment.

It's automatic! If your primary residence or business is located in the federally declared disaster area, you don't need to file any extension forms. The IRS automatically provides the relief to anyone in the covered disaster areas. The system is set up to recognize your location based on your address on file with the IRS.

Thank you! I wouldn't have thought about the certified mail part. Do you know if I should organize the documents in any specific way? Like should I create a cover letter explaining each item or just send everything with the letter they sent me?

Absolutely create a cover letter! Reference the letter ID number and your tax ID number at the top. Then make a list of every document you're including and what specific item on your tax return it supports. For each category of expenses they're questioning, group those documents together with a summary sheet showing how they add up to the amount you claimed. Making it easy for the IRS agent to review your documentation increases your chances of a quick and favorable response. The easier you make their job, the better the outcome usually.

Does color-coding help? I'm super visual and thinking about using different colored folders for different expense categories when I send everything in.